R--Special Education Related Services, Phx-ERC

Statement of Work (SOW)

The objective of this contract is to ensure the consistent, high-quality delivery of special education and related services to students with disabilities enrolled at five Bureau of Indian Education (BIE)-operated schools in Arizona. This is achieved through a Cooperative Agreement Unit (CAU) staffed with six core professionals, providing culturally responsive support to Native American students.

• Major Work Areas: The contractor will staff and manage a multidisciplinary team of six professionals: one School Psychologist, one Special Education Teacher, one Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP), one Occupational Therapist (OT), one Physical Therapist (PT), and one School Counselor. These professionals will deliver direct services across five geographically dispersed BIE schools in Arizona (Tohono O'odham High School, Santa Rosa Day School, Santa Rosa Ranch School, San Simon School, and John F. Kennedy Day School).

• Tasks & Responsibilities: Services include psychoeducational evaluations, individualized instruction, case management, IEP facilitation, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and school-based counseling. All services must comply with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and BIE Special Education policies, emphasizing culturally responsive approaches. The contractor is responsible for recruiting, retaining, onboarding, training, and ensuring compliance for all personnel.

• Service Delivery: 100% of services initiated within required IDEA timelines; 95% of students receive services per IEP frequency/duration; 95% of provider time logged as direct student service.

• Student Outcomes: 100% of students show measurable progress documented quarterly; 80% of students progress toward at least one IEP goal per quarter.

• Compliance & Documentation: 100% of staff maintain active licensure/clearance; 100% of providers complete annual cultural competency training; 100% of service logs entered weekly; 100% of progress reports submitted quarterly.

• Key Deliverables: A detailed deliverables table outlines specific reports, logs, and documentation required for each position and general contract requirements.

• Period of Performance: A Base Year from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, with four additional one-year option periods extending through June 30, 2031.

• Place of Performance: Services will be delivered on-site at the five specified BIE-operated schools in Arizona. Core work hours are generally 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday, with direct student services typically from 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM (Mon-Thurs) and 8:00 AM to 12:30 PM (Fri).

• Contract Type: Labor Hours contract, with an all-inclusive hourly rate for each labor category.

• Personnel Qualifications: All personnel must be U.S. citizens, hold valid state certifications/licensure, and meet specific experience requirements (e.g., minimum 3-5 years school-based experience depending on the role).

• Background Checks: All contractor personnel must undergo and pass a BIE federal background check (Moderate Risk Public Trust designation) before commencing work. This process is a critical path deliverable and can take approximately 60 days.

• Security & Privacy: Adherence to robust security measures, federal/agency IT policies, and strict confidentiality of Personally Identifiable Information (PII) under the Privacy Act and FERPA.

• Government-Furnished Equipment: BIE-issued laptops, access to BIE systems (Bison Connect, SharePoint, NASIS), and Government PIV cards will be provided.

• Key Personnel Changes: Requires written pre-approval from the Contracting Officer, with a minimum of 60 days' notice (unless unforeseen circumstances).

• Travel: Travel between school sites is reimbursable at GSA-approved rates, with lodging reimbursed for overnight travel or BIE Quarters provided.

Request for Information (RFI)

This RFI seeks feedback from potential vendors on the feasibility of fulfilling the full scope of services outlined in a Cooperative Agreement Statement of Work (SOW). The Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) aims to understand vendor capacity, identify potential barriers, and gather recommendations for improving the SOW.

Vendors are asked to address the following:

• Feasibility: Can your organization staff all six listed positions (School Psychologist, Special Education Teacher, SLP, OT, PT, School Counselor)? If not, which positions can you staff directly, and which would require subcontracting?
• Staffing and Recruitment: What challenges do you anticipate in recruiting qualified personnel, especially in rural or tribal areas? What is your typical onboarding timeline?
• Service Delivery Model: Do you have experience with a roving service delivery model across multiple school sites? What logistical support would you need from BIE?
• Compliance and Documentation: Are you familiar with NASIS and its documentation requirements? What systems do you use for reporting services, evaluations, and progress?
• Recommendations: What improvements or clarifications would you suggest for the SOW? Should any performance metrics or deliverables be added or revised?
• Vendor Type: Please specify your vendor type (e.g., ISBEE, SBA, Large Business).

Vendors should provide detailed responses to each question, with additional space as needed. The RFI does not specify a submission deadline or evaluation criteria, as it is for information gathering purposes.